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How to Thread a Sewing Machine

Machine from a flea market or thrift shop with no instructions? Now you can finally use it

Step 1: The Machine Setup

This is your basic sewing machine. No fancy stuff. It has a presser foot and a thin arm where the bobbin goes for hemming and detailed work. I set mine up on my ironing board so that I have my iron ready and I also like to stand when I sew. You will find what works best for youâ¦play around with the setup a little.

Step 2: Step1

This is where the thread goes. If you have a cap or stopper put it on after you put the thread on. Also put the side of the thread with the little cut (for holding the end on the thread) to the back or bottom. This will prevent hang ups.

Step 3: Step 2

Allow the string to unwind and put it through this hoop. Mine can also snap in from the back but usually with older machines this is a hoop.

Step 4: Step 3

This can also be a loop but mine slides in through the back.

Step 5: Step 4

Bring the thread down and around this nob toward the back (notice that you can not see the threadâ¦this is the right way). Then back up. Some older machines this is a silver nob thingy, this is the tension. You will feel which is the right notch to put the thread through.

Step 6: Step 5

From the tension bring the thread up and from right to left put it through the hole here. Mine can also slide in from the back.

Step 7: Step 6

Then bring it down from the take up lever into the coiled thread guide.

Step 8: Step 7

Then into the next thread guide.

Step 9: Step 8

Then thread the needle front to back or right to left depending on you machine. Pull enough thread through so that it doesnât pull out when the needle moves 5-10 inches.

Step 10: Step 9

Now for inserting the bobbin.

Step 11: Step 10

Pull the string out tight and set the bobbin into the tray. Insert the thread into the metal notch and pull back.

Step 12: Step 11

Now to get the bobbin string to the top of the casing so you can sew. Holding the top thread in one hand and turning the wheel with the other, turn the wheel one revolution toward you and you will notice that the thread goes down into the casing and fishes out the bobbin thread. Pull the loop out straight and then close the casing. Ready to sew?!!

Safe and Secure Challenge

54 Discussions

I recently acquired a Wards UHT J 1934 sewing machine with no manual. I've searched the Internet for a couple of weeks with no luck finding one, even to purchase. I can find one for model 1943, but not 1934. Mine looks like the 1943 except for the reverse and stitch is a knob where you push in the middle of the knob for reverse and the 1943 has a reverse lever with a finger wheel for the stitch. Any help would be appreciated as I'm at a loss on how to operate this machine. Thank you, for whatever help you can give.

I think the bobbin part on my machine is broken or missing a piece :/ it's a REALLY old machine that my Gramma gave my mom. I borrowed it, and every time I try to sew, the bobbin gets all screwed up and the machine tried to eat the dress that I was trying to sew Q~Q

My baby's name is Brother double stitch. I'm not sure of the model but it's an old school one. I just bought it recenctly and am still learning how to operate it as it is my first time sewing with a machine. Now with these old school babies, you get tension control unit on the exterior. I can see it's very lose but I just don't know how to tighten it.

I bought a german AMYSA . second hand. it does not have a manual, and i just realised it does not have a bobbin holder. it has an electric motor, but it does not run smoothly. it keeps catching, the motor is running but the needle does not go up or down. have to use the hand crank thingie to restart it.any ideas, thanks.

Hi folks. I have a Riccar 650 and I don't remember how to thread it--the instructions are really cryptic and it doesn't follow the conventions of most other (obvious) machine threading patterns. Can anyone help with a photo-- or clarification of the confusing diagrams? I've searched the web and found nothing....